The Apple Tradition in Alfred
Autumn in Maine means apples.
Apple picking. Apple pies. Applesauce. Apple butter. Apple cider. These are all trademarks of the season. Activities centered on gathering and enjoying this fruit are a core part of fall family traditions. It’s a beautiful time of year to be outside. Collecting apples is a fun task that can be completed by grandparents and toddlers and everyone in-between.
Old apple trees can be discovered on a stroll through many little farms and abandoned properties around Maine. Large orchards can be found from the northern to southern regions of our state. Many of these had small beginnings long ago.
I set out to visit one of these old and thriving farms in the town of Alfred in York County. My journey took me to Gile’s Family Farm. Their store was full of all things autumn — pumpkins, gourds, cider, and apples. So many apples!
Gile’s Family Farm has been around for a while. As in, a long while. Their start came in 1763 which makes them two and a half CENTURIES young. The family still lives and works on the farm. The youngest represents the tenth generation to do so.
The orchards are smaller than they were in past days, but remain bountiful — to the tune of about 13,000 bushels of apples (there are an average of 125 medium size apples per bushel). Gile’s makes their own cider on the premises and does the same for other area orchards that don’t have the necessary equipment.
The primary orchard is located a short drive from the store in the old Alfred Shaker historic district. Families come to pick-their-own apples and pumpkins while taking in the view.
According to the Maine Pomological Society, over one hundred apple varieties grow in Maine. The apple industry has a long history in our state. We used to send barrels full of the juice fruit by ship to England back in the day.
Unlike most other orchards, Gile’s Family Farm is able to keep their store open all year. The staff explained to me that a technique is used to put the apples into a type of hibernation and then “wake them up” for sale. I, for one, am very grateful we can continue to enjoy this fruit even when the branches of its tress are covered in snow and ice.
Much continued success to Gile’s for centuries to come! I’m heading back on the road with a tote of apples in the car. If this is your first time to come along on this adventure, you should know that I’m on a mission to visit every town in Maine. Stay updated by dropping your email in the blue box below. To learn more, see the about page.
